Pickleball –
The trend sport explained simply
Pickleball, the trend sport from the USA, is also gaining more and more fans here in Germany, from young to old. But what is this sport all about, how do you play it and what equipment do you need? We answer these and other questions in this article.
To the pickleball accessories
What is pickleball?
Pickleball is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis and is one of the fastest growing sports around. Pickleball is played by two or four players on a court the size of a badminton court. However, the net is at the height of a tennis net. The game is played with plastic rackets with a continuous hitting surface instead of strings and the balls are made of plastic with holes in them.
Pickleball is gaining more and more fans worldwide
For a long time, pickleball led a niche existence and was only known to a few enthusiasts. The sport was played professionally for the first time in 2019, when two series were founded in the USA: the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). Pickleball became increasingly well-known and popular not only in the USA, but also internationally, as the founding of the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) in 2010 underlines, and the game came to Germany soon after. The first local club was founded in Augsburg in 2013. Four years later, the German Pickleball Federation was founded, which acts as the umbrella organization for the sport in Germany. The first German pickleball championships were held in Gelsenkirchen in 2020 and have been held annually ever since.
What are the similarities and differences to tennis?
As a racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball naturally has many similarities with tennis, but also certain differences. In terms of motor skills, pickleball is much more similar to tennis than badminton or table tennis. The court is divided into two halves, separated by a net in the middle. Both sports can be played in singles and doubles, although unlike tennis, the court is not enlarged in pickleball doubles. In contrast to tennis, the court in pickleball is only about half the size. The rackets are not strung and instead of felt balls, plastic balls with holes are used. Like tennis, the game requires quick reflexes and precise strokes, but is less physically demanding. Pickleball is also quicker and easier to learn than tennis. Other differences to tennis are the double bounce rule and the kitchen, officially known as the non-volley zone, from which no volleys may be hit.
What equipment do I need to play pickleball?
You don't need much equipment to play pickleball. Rackets, balls and sports shoes and clothing are all you need to get started with this exciting and dynamic game.
Fancy playing pickleball?
Then discover our pickleball recommendations:
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